Category: New 2016

For all items under What’s New that are 2016.

Media Reports on Our Getting the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Federal Government to Consult on Adopting the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Ontario Public Service Restructures Who Leads Its Own AODA Compliance

December 8, 2016 SUMMARY This is our last AODA Alliance Update for 2016. Enjoy the peace and quiet as we take an email and social media break until the new year. We wind up 2016 with good news, highlighted below: * The Toronto Star reported on our important success earlier this week, when the Wynne … Continue reading Media Reports on Our Getting the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Federal Government to Consult on Adopting the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Ontario Public Service Restructures Who Leads Its Own AODA Compliance

Breaking News –Premier Wynne has Just Announced in the Legislature that the Ontario Government Agrees to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

December 5, 2016 SUMMARY This news is hot off the presses! In Question Period today, Progressive Conservative MPP Bill Walker asked Premier Wynne to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard to tear down the accessibility barriers impeding hundreds of thousands of students with disabilities  in Ontario schools, colleges and universities. Premier Wynne said yes. … Continue reading Breaking News –Premier Wynne has Just Announced in the Legislature that the Ontario Government Agrees to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

22 Major Disability Organizations Send Premier Wynne an Open Letter Calling for the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under Ontario’s Disabilities Act – Check out the Open Letter and AODA Alliance News Release and a Toronto Star Article on This

December 5, 2016 SUMMARY Today, 22 major disability organizations, including the AODA Alliance, sent Premier Kathleen Wynne a compelling open letter that calls on her Government to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. As well, the AODA Alliance today issued a news release, to publicize this … Continue reading 22 Major Disability Organizations Send Premier Wynne an Open Letter Calling for the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under Ontario’s Disabilities Act – Check out the Open Letter and AODA Alliance News Release and a Toronto Star Article on This

On this International Day for People with Disabilities, We Look Back at Kathleen Wynne’s Written Promises to 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities, Made Four years Ago Today, on What She’d Do on Disability Accessibility if She Became Ontario’s Premier

December 3, 2016 SUMMARY Let’s look back at a very important letter that Kathleen Wynne wrote to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance four years ago today, on December 3, 2012. December 3 is the day which the United Nations declares as the International Day for People with Disabilities. To set the stage, … Continue reading On this International Day for People with Disabilities, We Look Back at Kathleen Wynne’s Written Promises to 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities, Made Four years Ago Today, on What She’d Do on Disability Accessibility if She Became Ontario’s Premier

Excellent Toronto Star Article Reports on the AODA Alliance’s Captioned Video about Accessibility Problems at the New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

December 2, 2016 SUMMARY An excellent article in the Toronto Star on December 2, 2016, set out below, reports on the AODA Alliance’s video which depicts a number of accessibility problems in the brand-new Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre. The article lets far more members of the public know about this incident, and about our … Continue reading Excellent Toronto Star Article Reports on the AODA Alliance’s Captioned Video about Accessibility Problems at the New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

Ontario and Federal Governments Announce $44 Million for New Infrastructure at Centennial College But Announce No Strings To Ensure It’s Fully Disability-Accessible – Deeply Worrying After the AODA Alliance’s Online Video Shows Significant Accessibility Deficiencies at Centennial College’s Brand-New Culinary Arts Centre

December 1, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Will Troubling History on Accessibility Repeat itself? Here is yet more proof that the Ontario Government needs to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard. In a November 21, 2016 news release, which we set out below, the Ontario and Federal Governments jointly announce $44 million in new infrastructure spending … Continue reading Ontario and Federal Governments Announce $44 Million for New Infrastructure at Centennial College But Announce No Strings To Ensure It’s Fully Disability-Accessible – Deeply Worrying After the AODA Alliance’s Online Video Shows Significant Accessibility Deficiencies at Centennial College’s Brand-New Culinary Arts Centre

On the 22nd Anniversary of the Birth of Ontario’s Grassroots Accessibility Law Campaign, the AODA Alliance Releases a Striking Video that Shows Significant Accessibility Problems at the Brand New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

November 29, 2016 SUMMARY 1. A Video You Must Watch The AODA Alliance today makes public a striking 18-minute video, and a shorter 6 minute version. These shows significant accessibility barriers in a brand-new public building that was just built with public money, the new Culinary Arts Centre at Toronto’s Centennial College. This video depicts … Continue reading On the 22nd Anniversary of the Birth of Ontario’s Grassroots Accessibility Law Campaign, the AODA Alliance Releases a Striking Video that Shows Significant Accessibility Problems at the Brand New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

Progressive Conservative Party and Green Party Candidates in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook November 17, 2016 By-elections Answer the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire

November 15, 2016 SUMMARY We have just received the responses to the AODA Alliance’s accessibility questionnaire from the Progressive Conservative Party’s and the Green Party’s candidates in the November 17, 2016 by-elections in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook ridings. We set these responses out below. We should note that we had not sought commitments … Continue reading Progressive Conservative Party and Green Party Candidates in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook November 17, 2016 By-elections Answer the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire

Ottawa Vanier Liberal Candidate in the November 17, 2016 By-election Nathalie Des Rosiers Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire – Only the Conservative Candidates in the Ottawa and Niagara By-elections Have Not Answered

November 14, 2016 SUMMARY Earlier today, the AODA Alliance released the answers to the AODA Alliance’s accessibility questionnaire that it had received from any of the November 17, 2016 Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook by-election by our November 13, 2016 deadline. Since we made those public, the Liberal candidate in the Ottawa Vanier by-election, Nathalie … Continue reading Ottawa Vanier Liberal Candidate in the November 17, 2016 By-election Nathalie Des Rosiers Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire – Only the Conservative Candidates in the Ottawa and Niagara By-elections Have Not Answered

Three of the Six Major Parties’ Candidates in the November 17 2016 Ottawa and Niagara By-Elections Answered the AODA Alliance’s Requests Seeking Accessibility Commitments – Neither of the Conservative Candidates nor the Ottawa Liberal Candidate Has Answered Our Letter

November 14, 2016 SUMMARY As we have done so often in the past, the non-partisan AODA Alliance has sought commitments on disability accessibility issues from the Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic candidates in the November 17, 2016 Ontario by-elections in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook ridings. We wrote the candidates on November 7, 2016, … Continue reading Three of the Six Major Parties’ Candidates in the November 17 2016 Ottawa and Niagara By-Elections Answered the AODA Alliance’s Requests Seeking Accessibility Commitments – Neither of the Conservative Candidates nor the Ottawa Liberal Candidate Has Answered Our Letter

Next Weekend’s Whitby Accessibility Public Forum is the First AODA Alliance Community Event Since the AODA Was Passed to Be Attended by Ontario’s Minister Responsible for Implementing Ontario’s Accessibility Law – The November 12, 2016 Whitby Accessibility Forum Comes on the Heels of Successful Grassroots Action on Disability Accessibility Around Ontario, in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/ Labrador

November 10, 2016 SUMMARY Here are three late-breaking developments on the road to a barrier-free Canada for people with disabilities that leap to our attention this week. After these, we offer reminders of other important items on the accessibility agenda that can help you. 1. Come to this Saturday’s Durham Region AODA Accessibility Public Forum, … Continue reading Next Weekend’s Whitby Accessibility Public Forum is the First AODA Alliance Community Event Since the AODA Was Passed to Be Attended by Ontario’s Minister Responsible for Implementing Ontario’s Accessibility Law – The November 12, 2016 Whitby Accessibility Forum Comes on the Heels of Successful Grassroots Action on Disability Accessibility Around Ontario, in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/ Labrador

A Report by the KPMG Consulting Firm Prepared for the Wynne Government Confirms that There Are Recurring Accessibility Barriers in Ontario’s Education System – That Is The Very Reason Why AODA Alliance Calls on the Wynne Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

November 9, 2016 SUMMARY Here’s yet another reason why the Wynne Government should agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard to tear down the many accessibility barriers that still persist in Ontario’s education system. Last year, the Wynne Government hired the KPMG consulting firm to prepare a report on accessibility barriers in Ontario’s education system, … Continue reading A Report by the KPMG Consulting Firm Prepared for the Wynne Government Confirms that There Are Recurring Accessibility Barriers in Ontario’s Education System – That Is The Very Reason Why AODA Alliance Calls on the Wynne Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

AODA Alliance Offers a Preliminary Look at the Proposed New Accessibility Law that the Nova Scotia Government Tabled in the Nova Scotia Legislature Last Week – A Good Start But It Needs Substantial Strengthening

November 6, 2016 SUMMARY Last week, the Nova Scotia Government introduced a proposed new bill, to be called the Accessibility Act, into the Nova Scotia Legislature. We commend the Nova Scotia Government for doing so. This is especially timely, since the Federal Government is now busy consulting across Canada on the development of the promised … Continue reading AODA Alliance Offers a Preliminary Look at the Proposed New Accessibility Law that the Nova Scotia Government Tabled in the Nova Scotia Legislature Last Week – A Good Start But It Needs Substantial Strengthening

Ontario Conservatives Press Premier Wynne in the Ontario Legislature’s Question Period to Agree to the AODA Alliance’s Call for the Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Premier Wynne says Her Ministers of Accessibility and Education Are Discussing How to Move Forward on This

November 1, 2016 1. SUMMARY During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature yesterday, October 31, 2016, opposition Progressive Conservative MPP Bill Walker pressed Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to ensure that Ontario’s education system becomes fully accessible to students with … Continue reading Ontario Conservatives Press Premier Wynne in the Ontario Legislature’s Question Period to Agree to the AODA Alliance’s Call for the Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Premier Wynne says Her Ministers of Accessibility and Education Are Discussing How to Move Forward on This

Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the November 17, 2016 Ontario By-elections in Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook

October 31, 2016 1. SUMMARY The Ontario Government has called provincial by-elections for November 17, 2016 in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook ridings. These by-elections will replace former Liberal MPP Madeleine Meilleur (Ottawa Vanier), who was the minister responsible for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act from 2006 to 2011, and Tim Hudak, … Continue reading Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the November 17, 2016 Ontario By-elections in Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook

Today is the 18th Anniversary of a Pivotal Milestone on the Road to Strong Ontario Disability Accessibility Legislation that Resonates to this Day in Provincial and Federal Accessibility Campaigns

October 29, 2016 SUMMARY Today, October 29, 2016, is the 18th anniversary of an extremely important event in the decade-long battle, from 1994 to 2005, for the enactment of strong Ontario accessibility legislation, to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities. What was accomplished by Ontario’s grassroots disability advocates back then continues to send … Continue reading Today is the 18th Anniversary of a Pivotal Milestone on the Road to Strong Ontario Disability Accessibility Legislation that Resonates to this Day in Provincial and Federal Accessibility Campaigns

Come to Upcoming Accessibility Forums in St. Johns Newfoundland (Nov4), Burlington Ontario (Nov. 6) and Whitby Ontario (Nov. 7) and Let the AODA Alliance Know of Any Accessibility Barriers You Face when Using Public Transportation in Ontario

October 19, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Come to Upcoming Accessibility Public Forums in St. John’s Newfoundland (November 4), Burlington (November 6), and Whitby (November 12) The grassroots AODA Express is continuing to blaze its tireless community-organizing trail across the land! Here is what is coming next. If you are in the neighbourhood, please plan to climb … Continue reading Come to Upcoming Accessibility Forums in St. Johns Newfoundland (Nov4), Burlington Ontario (Nov. 6) and Whitby Ontario (Nov. 7) and Let the AODA Alliance Know of Any Accessibility Barriers You Face when Using Public Transportation in Ontario

Please Use and Widely Circulate Two New Helpful Resources We Here Give You, Helpful for Anyone Taking Part in the Government of Canada’s Current Public Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act – Our Short Leaflet and Our Longer, More Detailed Tip Sheet

September 23, 2016 The Federal Government is asking the public to give it input on what should be included in the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act, a new federal disability accessibility law. Are you thinking of taking part in that public consultation and giving the Government feedback? You can do so by attending one of the … Continue reading Please Use and Widely Circulate Two New Helpful Resources We Here Give You, Helpful for Anyone Taking Part in the Government of Canada’s Current Public Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act – Our Short Leaflet and Our Longer, More Detailed Tip Sheet

Over Two Short Days, Our Accessibility Issues Come Up Twice in Ontario’s Legislature and Also in the Toronto Star

September 15, 2016 SUMMARY We are very busy advocating on accessibility in Ontario on so many fronts at once, from pressing for an Education Accessibility Standard, to trying to get the AODA effectively enforced, to scanning the recent Throne Speech for accessibility issues, to advocating for more accessibility in our public transit systems in Ontario. … Continue reading Over Two Short Days, Our Accessibility Issues Come Up Twice in Ontario’s Legislature and Also in the Toronto Star

Attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s September 15, 2016 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit to Recount Accessibility Barriers You Face on TTC – Are Public Transit Authorities Across Ontario All Annually Holding These Mandatory Public Forums for Public Transit Riders with Disabilities?

September 13, 2016 SUMMARY Below is TTC’s web announcement of its 2016 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit. It will be held on the evening of September 15, 2016. We encourage anyone in the Toronto area to come to this event and raise accessibility problems you have experienced on the TTC. With the Federal and … Continue reading Attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s September 15, 2016 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit to Recount Accessibility Barriers You Face on TTC – Are Public Transit Authorities Across Ontario All Annually Holding These Mandatory Public Forums for Public Transit Riders with Disabilities?

Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Offers 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Nothing new

September 12, 2016 Toronto: The Wynne Government’s new Throne Speech, read at Queen’s Park this afternoon, offers 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities absolutely nothing new, as a point-by-point analysis, set out below, shows. “This Throne Speech is called “A Balanced Plan to Build Ontario Up for Everyone,” but nothing in it ensures that 1.8 million … Continue reading Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Offers 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Nothing new

Will Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Today Announce New Action to Tear Down the Many Barriers that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Still Face in 2016?

September 12, 2016 Toronto: Over 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities are waiting to see if Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech at Queen’s park today will announce new, decisive action to get Ontario back on schedule for becoming fully accessible to people with disabilities by 2025, under 8.5 years from now. Premier Wynne promised to ensure Ontario is on … Continue reading Will Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Today Announce New Action to Tear Down the Many Barriers that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Still Face in 2016?

Upcoming Accessibility Public Forums in Ottawa, London and Whitby – and – Let the Wynne Government Know by This Friday If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Brief on Health Care Accessibility Barriers

September 8, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Join Us at Upcoming AODA Accessibility Forums in Ottawa September 19, London September 30, and Whitby November 12 The AODA Alliance Express is making its way around Ontario to spread the word and promote more advocacy and action on accessibility across the province. Join us and let others know about … Continue reading Upcoming Accessibility Public Forums in Ottawa, London and Whitby – and – Let the Wynne Government Know by This Friday If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Brief on Health Care Accessibility Barriers

The September 2016 Newsletter

September 1, 2016 Table of contents 1. Recent Breaking Events in the Campaign for a Strong, Effectively Enforced Canadians with Disabilities Act 2. Some Reflections on These Recent Events 3. The Toronto Star August 28, 2016 article 4. Canadians with disabilities: By the numbers 5. Government of Canada’s August 23, 2016 Announcement of Public Consultation … Continue reading The September 2016 Newsletter

The Liberal Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire, After We Made Public that the Liberals Were the Only Major Party Not to Answer Us

August 30, 2016 SUMMARY Our tenacity has paid off…again! We now have received answers from the candidates of all three major parties running in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River Ontario by-election. We set them all out below. In our August 20, 2016 letter to the candidates, we asked for responses to these questions by … Continue reading The Liberal Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire, After We Made Public that the Liberals Were the Only Major Party Not to Answer Us

The Conservative Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues, After We Made Public that Only the NDP Candidate Had Responded –The Liberal Candidate Still Has Not Answered

August 29, 2016 SUMMARY Here is late-breaking news on the Ontario political front. Now the Ontario Liberal candidate is the only major party’s candidate competing for votes in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River Ontario by-election that has not answered the AODA Alliance’s request for commitments on disability accessibility. Yesterday we made public the fact … Continue reading The Conservative Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues, After We Made Public that Only the NDP Candidate Had Responded –The Liberal Candidate Still Has Not Answered

The New Democratic Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues – Neither the Liberal Nor Progressive Conservative Candidates Responded

August 28, 2016 SUMMARY On August 20, 2016, the AODA Alliance wrote the Liberal, NDP and Conservative candidates in the Scarborough-Rouge River September 1 by-election, to seek their commitments on disability accessibility. That letter is set out below. The AODA Alliance does not support or oppose any party or candidate. We have done this in … Continue reading The New Democratic Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues – Neither the Liberal Nor Progressive Conservative Candidates Responded

The September 2016 Newsletter

September 1, 2016 Table of contents 1. Recent Breaking Events in the Campaign for a Strong, Effectively Enforced Canadians with Disabilities Act 2. Some Reflections on These Recent Events 3. The Toronto Star August 28, 2016 article 4. Canadians with disabilities: By the numbers 5. Government of Canada’s August 23, 2016 Announcement of Public Consultation … Continue reading The September 2016 Newsletter

Tell the Wynne Government If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Finalized Brief on health Care Accessibility Barriers that We Submitted to the Government’s “Pre-Consultation”

August 26, 2016 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized its august 26, 2016 brief to the Wynne Government on accessibility barriers in Ontario’s health care system. We submitted it to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario as part of its “Pre-Consultation.” We set out this 14-page brief below. It would be great if you could email … Continue reading Tell the Wynne Government If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Finalized Brief on health Care Accessibility Barriers that We Submitted to the Government’s “Pre-Consultation”

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario Calls On the Wynne Government to Agree to Create an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

August 23, 2016 SUMMARY Yet another major voice has joined our call for the Wynne Government to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. On August 10, 2016, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario wrote Ontario’s new Accessibility Minister, Tracy MacCharles, to support our request … Continue reading The Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario Calls On the Wynne Government to Agree to Create an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

August 2016 Newsletter

August 22, 2016 1. Download, Widely Circulate  and Use the Revised Discussion Paper on What the Canadians with Disabilities Act Could Include A new and improved Discussion Paper on what the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act could include, is now available for you to download and read. Written by Barrier-Free Canada co-chair David Lepofsky, this … Continue reading August 2016 Newsletter

Send Us Your Feedback on the AODA Alliance’s Draft Brief to the Wynne Government’s “Pre-Consultation” on Health Care Accessibility Barriers Facing Patients with Disabilities

August 18, 2016 SUMMARY We welcome your feedback on the AODA Alliance’s draft brief to the Wynne Government on its “Pre-Consultation” on accessibility barriers that patients with disabilities face in Ontario’s health care system. We set out our draft brief below. It is 13 pages long. We ask you to respond quickly. We need to … Continue reading Send Us Your Feedback on the AODA Alliance’s Draft Brief to the Wynne Government’s “Pre-Consultation” on Health Care Accessibility Barriers Facing Patients with Disabilities

The Toronto Star Gives Great Coverage to the ‘AODA Alliances “Picture Our Barriers” Social Media Campaign – Join In the Blitz

August 11, 2016 SUMMARY There is a great article in the August 10, 2016 Toronto Star, set out below, by reporter Jessica Botelho-Urbanski, on troubling barriers that still face people with disabilities in Ontario in 2016. It gives great profile to the AODA Alliance’s “Picture Our Barriers” campaign. In this campaign, people all over Ontario … Continue reading The Toronto Star Gives Great Coverage to the ‘AODA Alliances “Picture Our Barriers” Social Media Campaign – Join In the Blitz

Please Circulate the AODA Alliance’s News Release Responding to the Wynne Government’s Announcement on School Supports for Students with Disabilities

Even though Ontario is required by law to become fully accessible to all people with disabilities by 2025, less than eight and a half years from now, Ontario’s publicly-funded education system is still full of barriers that can impede 334,000 students with special education needs. The Wynne Government still has no plan in place to … Continue reading Please Circulate the AODA Alliance’s News Release Responding to the Wynne Government’s Announcement on School Supports for Students with Disabilities

Today’s Wynne Government Announcement on Education for Students with Disabilities Falls Miles Short – the Wynne Government Needs to Enact an Education Accessibility Standard to Tear Down the Many Barriers Facing 334,000 Students with Disabilities Throughout Ontario’s Publicly-Funded School System

August 8, 2016 Toronto: the Wynne Government’s announcement today on education for students with disabilities in Ontario, while welcomed by families who fought to keep open all Ontario provincial and demonstration schools,  falls miles short of what is needed by 334,000 students with special education needs, says the Ontario Disability coalition that campaigned for reforms in this … Continue reading Today’s Wynne Government Announcement on Education for Students with Disabilities Falls Miles Short – the Wynne Government Needs to Enact an Education Accessibility Standard to Tear Down the Many Barriers Facing 334,000 Students with Disabilities Throughout Ontario’s Publicly-Funded School System

Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the September 1, 2016 Ontario By-election in Scarborough-Rouge River

August 8, 2016 1. SUMMARY The Ontario Government called a provincial by-election for September 1, 2016 in the Scarborough-Rouge River riding. Let’s use this provincial by-election as a great opportunity to raise disability accessibility issues with all candidates, to get the Government to kick-start stalled efforts at getting Ontario back on schedule for full accessibility … Continue reading Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the September 1, 2016 Ontario By-election in Scarborough-Rouge River

Tell Us What Accessibility Barriers You Have Faced in Ontario’s Health Care System –We’re Preparing a Brief for the Wynne Government – and – Learn What Happened at the Wynne Government’s “pre-Consultation” on the Promised Health Care Accessibility Standard, and About the Government’s Earlier “Pre-Pre-Consultation on Health Care Barriers that Didn’t Consult Patients with Disabilities

August 4, 2016 SUMMARY We are preparing a brief for the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario on the barriers that people with disabilities face in the health care system. This is part of the Government’s “pre-consultation” on the Health Care Accessibility Standard that the Wynne Government promised 18 months ago to create under the Accessibility for … Continue reading Tell Us What Accessibility Barriers You Have Faced in Ontario’s Health Care System –We’re Preparing a Brief for the Wynne Government – and – Learn What Happened at the Wynne Government’s “pre-Consultation” on the Promised Health Care Accessibility Standard, and About the Government’s Earlier “Pre-Pre-Consultation on Health Care Barriers that Didn’t Consult Patients with Disabilities

AODA Alliance Writes New Ontario Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles to List Priority Actions to Get Ontario Back on Schedule to Reach Full Accessibility by 2025, the Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Imposes

July 12, 2016 SUMMARY On July 10, 2016, the AODA Alliance wrote Ontario’s new Accessibility Minister, Tracy MacCharles. Tracy MacCharles is the fifth minister in the past five years to be assigned lead responsibility for the Government’s implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Our detailed 10-page July 10, 2016 letter, … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes New Ontario Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles to List Priority Actions to Get Ontario Back on Schedule to Reach Full Accessibility by 2025, the Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Imposes

Take a Look at the May and June 2016 Newsletters from Barrier-Free Canada

June 28, 2016 SUMMARY Below we share with you the May and June 2016 newsletters from Barrier-Free Canada. The AODA Alliance is proud to serve as the Ontario affiliate of Barrier-Free Canada. These newsletters show that the Federal Government is moving ahead with enthusiasm on its pledge to enact the Canadians with Disabilities Act after … Continue reading Take a Look at the May and June 2016 Newsletters from Barrier-Free Canada

Toronto Star Reports on Wynne Government Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, and on Toronto Transit Commission Delays in Ensuring Accessibility of Public Transit in Canada’s Largest City

June 23, 2016 SUMMARY Two important Toronto Star reports this week illustrate how far Ontario falls short of the Wynne Government’s claim to be a global leader on disability accessibility. These news reports come just eight and a half years before the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s mandatory 2025 deadline for the Ontario Government … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports on Wynne Government Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, and on Toronto Transit Commission Delays in Ensuring Accessibility of Public Transit in Canada’s Largest City

Premier Wynne Appoints Tracy MacCharles as Ontario’s First Minister of Accessibility for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Will Premier Wynne Instruct Her to Take the Actions Needed to Get Ontario Back on Schedule for Full Accessibility By 2025 – The Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Sets?

June 13, 2016 SUMMARY June 13, 2016 – Toronto: In today’s mid-term Cabinet shuffle, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne appointed Tracy MacCharles as Ontario’s first virtually stand-alone Accessibility Minister. This took place on the 11th anniversary of the day when Ontario’s accessibility law, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), went into force. Two successive Government-appointed Independent … Continue reading Premier Wynne Appoints Tracy MacCharles as Ontario’s First Minister of Accessibility for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Will Premier Wynne Instruct Her to Take the Actions Needed to Get Ontario Back on Schedule for Full Accessibility By 2025 – The Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Sets?

Further Reflections on the Wynne Government’s Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and Premier Wynne’s Broken Promise Never to Weaken Protections or Provisions We’d Won In or Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

June 10, 2016 SUMMARY Several days after it revised the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, the Wynne Government has issued a broadcast email to make public its amendments to that accessibility standard. We set out that email below. We were not able to also set out below the attachments to that email, because, contrary to … Continue reading Further Reflections on the Wynne Government’s Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and Premier Wynne’s Broken Promise Never to Weaken Protections or Provisions We’d Won In or Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

A Sad Game-Changer for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Premier Kathleen Wynne Breaks a Solemn Written Promise She Gave to People with Disabilities While Running for Ontario Liberal Leadership, to Never Weaken Any Protections We’d Won In or Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act

June 7, 2016 SUMMARY We have reached a deeply troubling turning point along the long and arduous road to a fully accessible Ontario. Yesterday Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne broke a fundamentally important promise she made to Ontarians with disabilities three and a half years ago, when she was running for leadership of the Ontario Liberal … Continue reading A Sad Game-Changer for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Premier Kathleen Wynne Breaks a Solemn Written Promise She Gave to People with Disabilities While Running for Ontario Liberal Leadership, to Never Weaken Any Protections We’d Won In or Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act

Wynne Government Makes Limited Accessibility Amendments to 11 of Ontario’s 750 Statutes, but Unjustifiably Rejects 11 Additional Accessibility Amendments the NDP Proposed at Our Request – What Are the Wynne Government’s Future Plans to Keep Its Promise to Find and Fix the Accessibility Barriers in All Ontario Laws?

May 9, 2016 SUMMARY In April, 2016, the Wynne Government made modest amendments to eleven Ontario laws to address some accessibility barriers in those laws. We encourage you to read the text of the Wynne Government’s actual amendments to 11 Ontario statutes, included in its 2016 Budget bill. We commend the Government for making these changes. … Continue reading Wynne Government Makes Limited Accessibility Amendments to 11 of Ontario’s 750 Statutes, but Unjustifiably Rejects 11 Additional Accessibility Amendments the NDP Proposed at Our Request – What Are the Wynne Government’s Future Plans to Keep Its Promise to Find and Fix the Accessibility Barriers in All Ontario Laws?

Join in May 12 2016 Free Webinar on Advocating for Accessibility in Ontario, Hosted by Citizens with Disabilities Ontario – And More Tips to Help the “Picture Our Barriers” Campaign

May 6, 2016 SUMMARY Here is the latest on progress on the AODA Alliance’s blitz to get Ontario MPPs to help us beef up the sluggish implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We also want to share ways you can quickly and easily help us with this campaign. 1. Log … Continue reading Join in May 12 2016 Free Webinar on Advocating for Accessibility in Ontario, Hosted by Citizens with Disabilities Ontario – And More Tips to Help the “Picture Our Barriers” Campaign

Even More Media Coverage of Problems with Accessible Customer Service in Ontario and the Wynne Government’s Failure to Take the Action that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Need – What the Media Reported and What You Can Do to Help This Cause

April 22, 2016 SUMMARY 1. More Media Coverage on Recurring Denials of Accessible Customer Service in Ontario Recent media coverage, set out below, once again shows the harm Ontarians with disabilities must suffer, because of the Wynne Government’s ongoing failure to keep its promise to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This … Continue reading Even More Media Coverage of Problems with Accessible Customer Service in Ontario and the Wynne Government’s Failure to Take the Action that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Need – What the Media Reported and What You Can Do to Help This Cause

The Wynne Government Wants the AODA Alliance to Volunteer its Time to Give Input on its Flawed Proposal for a Private Accessibility Certification Process, but Charges $120 to Give Us Basic Information We’ve Requested About That Program that We Are Entitled to Get Under the Freedom of Information Act

April 5, 2016 SUMMARY Here’s more Government action that contradicts Premier Wynne’s promise to ensure that hers is the most open and transparent government in Canada. The Economic Development Ministry has told AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky that he must pay $120 to get basic information about the Government’s action on its problematic proposal that … Continue reading The Wynne Government Wants the AODA Alliance to Volunteer its Time to Give Input on its Flawed Proposal for a Private Accessibility Certification Process, but Charges $120 to Give Us Basic Information We’ve Requested About That Program that We Are Entitled to Get Under the Freedom of Information Act

New Federal Budget Commits 2 Million Dollars to Federal Government Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act in 2016-17

March 31, 2016 SUMMARY 1. New Federal Budget is Another Important Step on the Road to the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act In its first budget, which Finance Minister Morneau announced in Parliament on March 22, 2016, the Justin Trudeau Government repeated its 2015 election pledge to enact the Canadians with Disabilities Act. It specifically … Continue reading New Federal Budget Commits 2 Million Dollars to Federal Government Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act in 2016-17

Come to the April 12, 2016 Mississauga Accessibility Public Forum – and – Barrier-Free BC Holds Its Major Kick-Off Event in British Columbia on April 6, 2016

March 30, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Come to the April 12, 2016 Mississauga Accessibility Public Forum to Help Our Grassroots Effort to Kick-Start Sluggish Ontario Government Action on Accessibility On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, from 7 to 9 pm, a public forum on accessibility for people with disabilities will be held in Mississauga at the Mississauga … Continue reading Come to the April 12, 2016 Mississauga Accessibility Public Forum – and – Barrier-Free BC Holds Its Major Kick-Off Event in British Columbia on April 6, 2016

Please Tell the Wynne Government if You Support the List of Readily-Achievable Improvements to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard that the AODA Alliance and ARCH Disability Law Centre Have Jointly Submitted to the Economic Development Minister

March 18, 2016 SUMMARY A joint March 15, 2016 brief has been submitted to Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid by the AODA Alliance and the ARCH Disability Law Centre. It lists a list of readily-achievable improvements to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This proposal shows … Continue reading Please Tell the Wynne Government if You Support the List of Readily-Achievable Improvements to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard that the AODA Alliance and ARCH Disability Law Centre Have Jointly Submitted to the Economic Development Minister

Nine Years after the Ontario Government Promises to Review All Ontario Laws for Accessibility Barriers, the Wynne Government Proposes Modest Legislative Changes to 11 Laws , To Be Fast-Tracked Through the Legislature

March 16, 2016 SUMMARY In the 2007 Ontario election, Ontario’s Liberal Government, led by Premier Dalton McGuinty, promised that the Government would review all Ontario laws for accessibility barriers. That includes 750 statutes and many more regulations. Some nine years later, the Government has only reviewed 51 of the 750 Ontario statutes. It chose to … Continue reading Nine Years after the Ontario Government Promises to Review All Ontario Laws for Accessibility Barriers, the Wynne Government Proposes Modest Legislative Changes to 11 Laws , To Be Fast-Tracked Through the Legislature

Please Send Feedback to Barrier-Free Canada on a NEW Discussion Paper on What the Canadians with Disabilities Act Should Include

March 15, 2016 SUMMARY We are delighted to share with you a new Discussion Paper on what the Canadians with Disabilities Act, promised to Canadians by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, should include. This Discussion Paper draws on experience with accessibility laws in Ontario and Manitoba, and elsewhere around the world. It is built on the … Continue reading Please Send Feedback to Barrier-Free Canada on a NEW Discussion Paper on What the Canadians with Disabilities Act Should Include

AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Files Appeal to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner to Contest the Economic Development Ministry’s $4,250 Fee to Fully Answer His June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information Application, Which Sought Updated Information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement

March 10, 2016 SUMMARY Premier Wynne promised that hers would be the most open and transparent government in Canada. Here is the latest development in the seemingly-endless saga of the AODA Alliance’s efforts to get up-to-date information from the Wynne Government on its implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. On … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Files Appeal to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner to Contest the Economic Development Ministry’s $4,250 Fee to Fully Answer His June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information Application, Which Sought Updated Information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement

Click here to download in MS Word format AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s memorandum of argument on his March 10 2016 appeal to theOntario Information and Privacy Commissioner from the Economic Development Ministry’s refusal to waive its $4,250 feeto fully answer his June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information application

Click here to download in MS Word format AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s memorandum of argument on his March 10 2016 appeal to theOntario Information and Privacy Commissioner from the Economic Development Ministry’s refusal to waive its $4,250 feeto fully answer his June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information application

Send Us Feedback on Our Latest Draft Brief to the Wynne Government on Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard — and — On YouTube, You Can Now Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s March 3, 2016 Interview on The Agenda With Steve Paikin

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 4, 2016 SUMMARY 1. We Need Your Feedback Fast! We eagerly want your feedback on our latest draft brief to the Wynne Government on its weak proposed revisions to the already-weak 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard. … Continue reading Send Us Feedback on Our Latest Draft Brief to the Wynne Government on Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard — and — On YouTube, You Can Now Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s March 3, 2016 Interview on The Agenda With Steve Paikin

Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Tonight at 8 or 11 PM or Later on YouTube, Talking about the Need for the Wynne Government to Create an Education Accessibility Standard – and – Insufficient Government Action on Accessibility Comes up During Budget Debates in the Ontario Legislature

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 3, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Twenty-Minute Interview Tonight at 8 or 11 PM on TVO’s “The Agenda With Steve Paikin” Or Later on YouTube Please encourage friends, family and total strangers … Continue reading Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Tonight at 8 or 11 PM or Later on YouTube, Talking about the Need for the Wynne Government to Create an Education Accessibility Standard – and – Insufficient Government Action on Accessibility Comes up During Budget Debates in the Ontario Legislature

List of email addresses and Twitter handles for major news outlets

Ontario News Media – Print/Online: The Canadian Press Email: editorial@thecanadianpress.com Twitter: @CdnPress The Globe and Mail Email: Newsroom@globeandmail.com Twitter: @globeandmail Hamilton Spectator Email: news@thespec.com Twitter: @TheSpec The London Free Press Email: [contact via www.lfpress.com/ugc/submission] Twitter: @LFPress Metro Toronto Email: readers@metronews.ca; toronto@metronews.ca Twitter: @metrotoronto National Post Email: letters@nationalpost.com Twitter: @nationalpost Ottawa Citizen Email: letters@ottawacitizen.com Twitter: @OttawaCitizen … Continue reading List of email addresses and Twitter handles for major news outlets

List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, broken down by political party

Below are the email addresses and Twitter handles for all Ontario MPPs as of February 28, 2016, broken down by their political party, and then listed in alphabetical order for each party. LIBERAL PARTY OF ONTARIO Albanese, Laura – Liberal Party (York South—Weston) Email: lalbanese.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @Laura_Albanese Anderson, Granville – Liberal Party (Durham) Email: ganderson.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org … Continue reading List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, broken down by political party

List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, sorted alphabetically

Here are the email addresses and Twitter handles for all Ontairo MPP’s as of February 28,2016, listed in alphabetical order by the MPPs’ last names. Albanese, Laura – Liberal Party (York South—Weston) Email: lalbanese.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @Laura_Albanese Anderson, Granville – Liberal Party (Durham) Email: ganderson.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @GranvilleMPP Armstrong, Teresa J. – NDP (London—Fanshawe) Email: tarmstrong-co@ndp.on.ca Twitter: … Continue reading List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, sorted alphabetically

Come to March 3 University of Windsor Accessibility Forum, March 7 York University Accessibility Forum or March 12 Ryerson Accessibility Panel – Get Your Nearby University, Community College or Other Community Organization to Hold An Accessibility Forum! – and – Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” on March 3 2016!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 28, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Three Great Accessibility Advocacy Training Events in a Row and How to Get Started Planning One in Your Community Here are three great community events in rapid succession that will help our … Continue reading Come to March 3 University of Windsor Accessibility Forum, March 7 York University Accessibility Forum or March 12 Ryerson Accessibility Panel – Get Your Nearby University, Community College or Other Community Organization to Hold An Accessibility Forum! – and – Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” on March 3 2016!

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Action Kit “Picture Our Barriers” Action Kit

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 26, 2016 I. Introduction The Ontario Government’s effort to make Ontario fully accessible to over 1.8 million people with disabilities has slowed to a crawl, mired in lethargy and bureaucracy. A widely-respected Independent Review that the … Continue reading Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Action Kit “Picture Our Barriers” Action Kit

Analysis of the May 2015 Initial Report of the Wynne Government’s Partnership Council on Employment for People with Disabilities, and of the Government’s Response to It – A Legacy of Years of Delay and Government Lethargy in the Face of Cruel Rates of Unemployment Facing People with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 19, 2016 I. Introduction and Summary Why is the Wynne Government doing so little on increasing stunning levels of unemployment chronically facing people with disabilities? On November 28, 2014, former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley (the … Continue reading Analysis of the May 2015 Initial Report of the Wynne Government’s Partnership Council on Employment for People with Disabilities, and of the Government’s Response to It – A Legacy of Years of Delay and Government Lethargy in the Face of Cruel Rates of Unemployment Facing People with Disabilities

News Release: On Third Anniversary of Premier Wynne’s First Throne Speech, that Promised Increased Employment for Ontarians with Disabilities Is a Priority, the AODA Alliance Releases a Detailed Analysis Showing Three Years of Government Dithering and Delay, Despite Declarations by the Wynne Government’s Special Advisor on Disability, Former Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, that the Unemployment Rate Facing People with Disabilities Is a National Shame

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 19, 2016 Toronto: Three years ago today, in her first Throne Speech after becoming Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne signaled great hope to over 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities, when her Government committed to set, as a … Continue reading News Release: On Third Anniversary of Premier Wynne’s First Throne Speech, that Promised Increased Employment for Ontarians with Disabilities Is a Priority, the AODA Alliance Releases a Detailed Analysis Showing Three Years of Government Dithering and Delay, Despite Declarations by the Wynne Government’s Special Advisor on Disability, Former Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, that the Unemployment Rate Facing People with Disabilities Is a National Shame

One Year Ago Today the Wynne Government Released the Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of Ontario’s Disabilities Act – One Year Later, Scant Progress Shown on the Moran Report’s Strong Recommendations For Substantial Improvements to the Disabilities Act’s Implementation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 13, 2016 SUMMARY What a difference a year makes? In the case of the Wynne Government’s implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, unfortunately, not much. One year ago today, on February … Continue reading One Year Ago Today the Wynne Government Released the Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of Ontario’s Disabilities Act – One Year Later, Scant Progress Shown on the Moran Report’s Strong Recommendations For Substantial Improvements to the Disabilities Act’s Implementation

Government Email Reveals Wynne Government is Paying Deloitte A Staggering $415,000 to Consult on a Proposal to Establish a Private Accessibility Certification Process – Wynne Government’s Spending Priorities Are Questionable As It Continues to Drop the Ball on Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce Ontario’s Accessibility Law

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 12, 2016 SUMMARY 1. The News and Why It Matters The Wynne Government has questionable spending priorities, when it comes to fulfilling its duty under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to lead Ontario to … Continue reading Government Email Reveals Wynne Government is Paying Deloitte A Staggering $415,000 to Consult on a Proposal to Establish a Private Accessibility Certification Process – Wynne Government’s Spending Priorities Are Questionable As It Continues to Drop the Ball on Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce Ontario’s Accessibility Law

The Wynne Government Gives the Public up to March 14, 2016 to Comment on the Text of Proposed Regulations that Would Revise Ontario Accessibility Standards – The Wynne Government Barrels Ahead with Plans to Break Kathleen Wynne’s Promise Not to Weaken Accessibility Protections

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 5, 2016 SUMMARY We need your help, and soon! On January 29, 2016, the Wynne Government posted online for public comment a draft of a regulation it proposes to enact under the Accessibility for Ontarians with … Continue reading The Wynne Government Gives the Public up to March 14, 2016 to Comment on the Text of Proposed Regulations that Would Revise Ontario Accessibility Standards – The Wynne Government Barrels Ahead with Plans to Break Kathleen Wynne’s Promise Not to Weaken Accessibility Protections

AODA Alliance Sends the Deloitte Company its Submission on the First Phase of the Deloitte Company’s Public Consultation on the Wynne Government’s Problem-Ridden Proposal to Fund a New Private Accessibility Certification Process – Deloitte’s Draft Report on its Consultations to Date is Seriously Flawed and Ignores or Rejects the AODA Alliance’s Key Input

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 1, 2016 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized and submitted its initial submission on the Wynne Government’s problem-ridden proposal to establish and fund a private accessibility certification process in Ontario. We sent our written feedback to … Continue reading AODA Alliance Sends the Deloitte Company its Submission on the First Phase of the Deloitte Company’s Public Consultation on the Wynne Government’s Problem-Ridden Proposal to Fund a New Private Accessibility Certification Process – Deloitte’s Draft Report on its Consultations to Date is Seriously Flawed and Ignores or Rejects the AODA Alliance’s Key Input

Toronto Star Reports on Massive Private Sector Violations of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Law and Continued Weak Enforcement – Wynne Government’s Reported Response Is Quite Troubling

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario January 27, 2016 SUMMARY An excellent article published in the Toronto Star one month ago, while the AODA Alliance email Update service was off on holidays, remains current and important! The Toronto Star’s December 14, 2015 edition … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports on Massive Private Sector Violations of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Law and Continued Weak Enforcement – Wynne Government’s Reported Response Is Quite Troubling

Barrier-Free Canada’s January 2016 Newsletter Fills You in on Progress to Date in the Campaign for the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act and Offers Tips on How You Can Help

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario January 21, 2016 SUMMARY Below we set out the January 2016 Barrier-Free Canada Newsletter. The AODA Alliance is proud to be the Ontario affiliate of Barrier-Free Canada, and to help with the campaign to win a strong, … Continue reading Barrier-Free Canada’s January 2016 Newsletter Fills You in on Progress to Date in the Campaign for the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act and Offers Tips on How You Can Help

Wynne Government Refuses to Waive Its $4,250 Fee for Fully Answering AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Application Seeking Important Government Records on the AODA’s Implementation and Enforcement – Lepofsky Asks the Wynne Government to Reconsider This Refusal

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario January 18, 2016 SUMMARY When it comes to the accessibility rights of people with disabilities, how free is Freedom of Information in Ontario? Is Premier Wynne keeping her promise to ensure that hers is the most open … Continue reading Wynne Government Refuses to Waive Its $4,250 Fee for Fully Answering AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Application Seeking Important Government Records on the AODA’s Implementation and Enforcement – Lepofsky Asks the Wynne Government to Reconsider This Refusal

Wynne Government Extends Time For Feedback on Troubling Proposed changes to Accessibility Standards, But Doesn’t Publicize This Extension – and – Why Not Organize a Public Forum to Rally Grassroots Action to advocate for Disability Accessibility Like the Kingston Area Public Forum Queens University Is Hosting On January 22, 2016?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario January 8, 2016 SUMMARY 1. There Is Still Time to Tell the Wynne Government If You Share Our Concerns with Troubling Proposed Changes to Accessibility Standards in Place in Ontario Here’s some good news: The Wynne Government … Continue reading Wynne Government Extends Time For Feedback on Troubling Proposed changes to Accessibility Standards, But Doesn’t Publicize This Extension – and – Why Not Organize a Public Forum to Rally Grassroots Action to advocate for Disability Accessibility Like the Kingston Area Public Forum Queens University Is Hosting On January 22, 2016?

Legislature Sets Two Days for Public Hearings on Bill 231 – Proposed Law to Reform Accessibility of Elections in Ontario

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 10, 2010 SUMMARY The Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly has circulated a public advertisement announcing that public hearings on Bill 231 will take place on March 24 and 31, 2010. See that ad, below. You have until 4:00 p.m. … Continue reading Legislature Sets Two Days for Public Hearings on Bill 231 – Proposed Law to Reform Accessibility of Elections in Ontario